Obituaries
Peter F. Scheler, 84
January 16, 1936 - September 09, 2020
Peter F. Scheler, 84, of Lititz, passed away on Wednesday, September 9, 2020 at Lancaster General Hospital, after a long battle with Parkinson’s Disease.
Peter was born January 16, 1936 in Buffalo, NY. He was the son of the late Frederick Peter and Margaret (Welsh) Scheler.
After graduating Hobart College in 1958, Peter became a commissioned officer in the United States Navy. He served on the USS Northampton in the Atlantic Fleet until 1962, earning the rank of LTJG. After the Navy he began his career at International Harvester in the Motor Truck Division holding various positions including Zone Manager for Upstate New York and managing each of the two branches in Buffalo, NY.
In 1974 Peter purchased the International Harvester Motor Truck branch in Erie, PA forming Five Star International Trucks, Inc. In 1982 he began a Truck Rental and Leasing business called Five Star Truck Services and Leasing which soon became a member of the new Idealease network. He grew Five Star into the premier truck dealership in Northwestern PA. In 1997 he and his sons, Fred and John, purchased the International Truck Dealership in Harrisburg, PA creating Five Star International, LLC which has grown to 8 locations throughout Pennsylvania.
Peter was named the Pennsylvania Truck Dealer of the Year for 2008. He was awarded the International Dealer Lifetime Achievement Award and International’s Circle of Excellence award 12 times. He was active in the International Dealer Council and served on various professional and community boards. Peter was a member of the Lawrence Lodge #708 F. & A.M., active in the Zem Zem Temple Shrine, serving on the Director’s Staff, Zem Zem Zailors, the Royal Order of Jesters Erie Court #58, the Erie Yacht Club, and many other professional and social clubs. He was a longtime member of Saint John’s Lutheran Church.
Peter’s favorite pastime was showing off Erie’s waterfront to friends and family aboard his boat the “Sea Star” where everyone called him Capt. Pete. He also enjoyed walking the beach in his winter home of Naples, FL.
He is survived by his wife Georgette (Payette), sons Frederick and wife Julie (Teconchuk) Scheler and John and wife Michelle (George) Scheler and four Grandchildren, Allison, Peter and Andrew Scheler and Madison Monschein.
Services and interment will be private.
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Condolences to the Family
August 18, 2021
To all the Scheler family , so sorry to hear about Pete he truly wanted everyone to do their best, I’m glad I got the chance to meet and work with him , Don Derby Syracuse, NY.
September 15, 2020
My sincerest condolences to the Scheler family in this difficult time.
I first met Pete 20 years ago just after Five Star bought Viking International. My fondest memories of him are the times where he took a few of us out on Lake Erie on his boat. He seemed very at home and happy on the water.
When he needed help with something he would call me and start the phone conversation with a “Are we friends Ben?” which made me chuckle. He was truly a gem among men and will be missed
Ben Varner
September 15, 2020
I was ADM at IH in Buffalo when Pete was just beginning his career. He was a favorite of Hank McCullough who was DM and was obviously going places. I left to go to Ford so sort of lost track until I moved back to Harrisburg and there was five star IH. Pete will be missed as a real leader in our industry and while this is a sad time remember all the good he did and how good he was.
Brad Tinkham
September 14, 2020
Dear Scheler Family:
Our thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time. Pete will be missed.
Greg and Linda Alonzo
September 13, 2020
Georgette, Fred, John and family, I was deeply saddened to read of Pete’s passing my prayers are with you all. Pete was the best! To Pete: Fair winds and following seas my Brother. Semper FI.
Ed Miller
September 13, 2020
I was surprised to learn that Peter, my old Navy buddy from Antigua, has been living nearby. My condolences and sympathies to the family on the loss. I am sorry that I did not know we both lived here, as we would have enjoyed reminiscing about our fun times in that island paradise. My wife (who has Parkinsons) and i live at Landis Homes.
Fred Kiemle
September 13, 2020
Georgette so sorry to read of Pete’s passing May he Rest In Peace. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family during this most difficult time
Leo and Teresa
September 13, 2020
Your family is in our thoughts during this difficult time. Please accept our condolences and wishes for some comfort as you deal with your loss.
Dianne and Jeff Mimnall
September 12, 2020
Prayers for you all at this time of sorrow. We will miss Pete he was a wonderful man and a great guy.
Ted and Tina Dobson
September 12, 2020
Prayers are with your family. Pete was a great guy. He will be missed.
Dan Utstein
September 12, 2020
Georgette, Fred, John and family; Gus and I were so very sad and sorry to hear of Pete’s passing. Please accept our condolences; he was truly a wonderful man. Rest in peace, Pete.
Gus and Shirley Sadler
September 11, 2020
Sorry for your loss. Prayers to your family.
Matthew Lockwood
September 11, 2020
Sorry for your family’s loss. Prayers for you and your family.
Larry Kinnear
